MHISolutionsmag.com—If you’re in manufacturing, supply chain, material handling or logistics, you’ve probably heard the terms "Internet of Things (IoT)," "Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)" and "Industry 4.0" bandied about with increasing frequency over the last 24 to 36 months. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they aren’t the same. In this article, six experts provide answers to five key questions about IIoT and cyber security.

Logistics Management—Managing shipment visibility, coordinating transit details and enabling efficient management of administrative activities will be key objectives for both shippers and 3PLs this year. Here are some tips for optimum execution from an expert panel.

SupplyChainBrain—Blockchain, the technology underlying bitcoin, has some challenges to overcome. But the potential applications are so compelling, supply chain managers should quickly learn more about it and begin to conceptualize how it can be applied to their businesses.

While most safety gate models are designed and built for specific applications, certain models lend themselves to a specific type of facility. For example, Open Top safety gates are rarely found in distribution centers, but they are popular in production facilities. We took a look at four types of industrial facilities and put together a guide to help you choose the best fall protection system for each one.

MHI Blog—Attendance at MODEX 2018 can make the difference between your manufacturing and distribution operations stalling, surviving or even thriving during these challenging economic times. If you need senior management’s approval for travel and training expenditures, it’s worth it to develop a proposal so you can attend MODEX 2018.

SupplyChainDigest—The changes to the US tax code in December – lowering rates for many companies, as well as increasing and decreasing deduction timing in several areas– is having an effect on the US economy, and certainly the stock market. Less obvious is how those changes may impact business decisions, especially in the manufacturing sector.

Dachser—China’s busiest time of year is fast approaching. Chinese New Year (CNY) is celebrated nationwide meaning all businesses around the country will close, including all factories. During this time all workers will travel across the country to return to their families and celebrate the New Year, with all manufacturing shutting down for the duration.

Reuters—An increase in truck rates over the next 12 months implies a 15-18 basis point gross margin headwind for U.S. food companies on average, Bernstein analyst Alexia Howard said in a note recently.

MHI Blog—Over the last decade we’ve seen the power of social media and we’re all trying to figure out how to leverage it for business. The most important part is participation. You have to participate for social media to work. Here are three and a half easy ways to be social before, during and after MODEX 2018.

MHI’s new Career Forum enables manufacturing and supply chain professionals to view current job postings of MHI member companies. Go to http://www.mhi.org/careers to find the perfect opportunity for you.

The New York Times—A wristband that tracks workers’ every move is being explored by Amazon, which has secured two patents along those lines recently. The wristband would vibrate if a task was performed incorrectly and keep supervisors apprised on your activities.

CCJdigital.com—Transportation companies are feeling the impacts of e-commerce, and there is no slowing in sight. Forrester, a research firm, projects that 17 percent of all U.S. retail sales will move online by 2022.

CSCMP’s Supply Chain Quarterly—To respond to growth in e-commerce sales and increasing channel fragmentation, CPG companies must increase efficiencies and collaboration while also exploring new technologies, a new report recommends.

Bookmark MHIsolutionsmag.com to gain quick access to any and all MHI media and news information. MHI Solutions magazine holds all issues of MHI Solutions and Newswire and Industry News eNewsletters, MHI’s Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin social media accounts as well as links to membership information, events, MHI view and the learning center.